There are a few new faces in the Rapids’ starting XI this season, and following the club’s MLS season opener against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, supporters will have a chance to rub elbows with them and returning players.

“We have something very special planned for the opener,” Mark Bodmer, Grand Poobah of the Rapids’ supporters group Class VI, said. “With the Rapids, Celtic Tavern, and Pid Army we will have a free bus bringing fans to and from the game.”

The bus leaves the Celtic Tavern at 1 p.m., transporting fans to the groups’ First Kick tailgate in the south parking lot of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. With music blaring and the grill sizzling, the tailgates typically include kegs of beer from local brewers, such as Wynkoop, soft drinks and whatever potluck items appear. Even if you don’t ride the bus, you can still partake. (It’s free, but a $5 donation seems to be the standard etiquette.)

“We’ve been told people feel intimidated to come over. Blah!” Bodmer said. “We’re open and there for Rapids fans to enjoy and make a Rapids game day more than just watching 90 minutes of football. We hope fans come over and have a hot dog, beer, or soda with us and find out there are other fans out there that bleed burgundy!”

The game kicks off at 4 p.m. and afterward, the bus shuttles supporters back to the Celtic.

“The special part is that after the match, the coaches and staff and Rapids players along with their families will be going to the Celtic,” Bodmer said. “After they are done eating the meal provided by the Celtic they will be mingling with fans.”

There’s more info on the free bus ride to the Rapids’ First Kick on the Class VI website. You can also reserve a spot on their site too. If enough people respond, a second bus ride to the match could be added.

But, it isn’t the only ride in town. The Bulldog Supporters Group also offers bus rides to the Rapids’ match, departing from both the Three Lions and the British Bulldog (4 bus loads in total). Rides for non-members are $20 and include a tailgate. The group also offers packages that include tickets to the match.

Dan Boniface is an online breaking news editor at The Denver Post and a regular in the Rapids’ Supporters Terrace. Follow him on Twitter at @danielboniface or contact him at dboniface@denverpost.com

Daniel was first introduced to soccer at age 6 while living in Düsseldorf, West Germany. He played youth soccer in West Germany until age 9, and then in Seattle, where he is originally from. He works as the day breaking news editor and also contributes on the Rapids beat.